NationStates Jolt Archive

News reports in Aerion are saying that the Divine Emperor has left to "go away for some time." In actuality, it seems he has disappeared, and not many in the senior government know where he has gone. It is rumored, however, that a small group of senior government officials are aware though are not going to say so. Some say he may have went to meet with the anonymous "Veiled Council of Thirteen", more devout fanatics of the Imperial Cult say he is on a "divine mission". In any case, it seems the High Priest of the Imperial Cult, and the High Prelate of the New Aerion Order will govern Aerion in the Divine Emperor's absence. Worship of the Divine Emperor will continue by the Imperial Cult, and the New Aerion Order. Further rumors have been circulating that communist cells in the nation may attempt to use this situation to rise up, Utwei Tworan
Chairman of the Aerion Communist-Revolutionary Party (ACRP), has been recently very vocal in speaking to the international community about neither wanting the Divine Emperor nor the Exiled Nobles of Aerion to govern the people of Aerion. He threatened that the party would use a "window of opportunity" to begin their revolution. The Exiled Nobles, led by Count Aero Laur, wish to restore the Monarchy of Aerion as it was before the Divine Emperor rose to power, and executed or expelled most of the nobility.


(Background of situation at http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108336&highlight= )

OOC

Another change of government? You must like revolutions.

2149 Zulu
Grand Praetorian Palace
Drako Throne, Drakonian Imperium
Praetor's Personal Study

"Sir?" The Intelligence Officer approached the Praetor of Drakonia who was slouched over his desk in deep thought.

"What," the Praetor hissed, throwing his head back violently to look at the man.

The mood of the ruler of Drakonia had been growing increasingly worse as of late. He was getting very little sleep and seemed to snap at everyone, fortunately his decision remained crisp, just, and true. His staff knew Augustus' mood could be tracked to the absense of his wife, who was still visiting Edmund Dantes, Executor of Tersanctus, after that friends birthday. Although, Augustus had left with her, he had been called prematurely home. His mood had deterated from there, much of it having been gone when he arrived due to the horrible nature of what brought him back: Nuclear attacks on Drakonian Civilians.

"Sir." The Intelligence Officer stepped forward and handed Augustus a file folder. "Report from Aerion."

"Aerion?" Augustus snatched the folder away from the other man, throw it on his desk, and viciously looked through it. Before a reply could be offered the Praetor snapped, "Nevermind, I remember."

There were several long minutes while the Augustus litteraly torn through the information in the folder. "Disappeared," he muttered. "Divine Mission...Communists...Window of Opertunity.

"I don't like this," Augustus finally said normally, not muttering or mumbling.

"The DIA is pretty worried, Sir," the Intelligence Officer replied, refering to the Drakonian Intelligence Agency (usually shortened to DIA).

"Why didn't the Director deliver this," Augustus asked, his voice sharp and a bit horse.

"He is busy, Sir," was the reply.

One of the Praetor's eyebrows raised angrily. "Busy?"

The Officer merely met Augustus' stare, knowing that the leader should be able to recall why the Director of the DIA was busy. "Fyreheart," the Officer replied simply.

"Oh, yes." The Praetor now only looked tired. Tired and alone. "Carry on," he dismissed.

The Praetor's head fell back to his desk. "I really should go to sleep," he said to no one, but himself.

In the absence of the Divine Emperor, the following has occured in Aerion in this order:
-The High Priest of the Imperial Cult and the High Prelate of the New Aerion Order become co-heads of state
-The High Priest dies
-The Imperial Cult is removed from actively being involved in government, and politics. Now led by Chief Elder. Only in charge of spiritual matters
-The High Prelate, and Prelacy (Council of Prelates) of the New Aerion Order becomes the active government of Aerion in the absence of the Divine Emperor. The New Aerion Order is composed of %45 percent of the population of Aerion, and is therefore very strong.
-The Divine Emperor is still absent.

The High Prelate, and Prelacy of the New Aerion Order are making sweeping changes of Aerion's government. It is understood that out of fear of the communist party's popularity growing in Aerion, and other parties that they may soon allow election of /some/ public officials at least on the local level. They seem to want to remain in power, but may fear international intervention after the actions of the Divine Emperor. They have put an end to public sacrifices, and decreased the Imperial Cult's governmental role though there is still worship of the Divine Emperor. The New Aerion Order, which the Prelacy governed, was the semi-fascist party of the Divine Emperor. All members are "first class"citizens. 45% of the population of Aerion being members. Though they were more secular in nation, and therefore now that the Divine Emperor is "away" most of the order is willing to follow the leadership of the Prelacy.

The High Prelate, and Prelacy have made government reforms in Aerion in the absence of the Divine Emperor. Keep in mind, however, the New Aerion Order only represents approximately 45% of the population of Aerion. However, this is secretly considered by many a better form of government than the single Divine Emperor. Even though the New Aerion Order was the Divine Emperor's Order, and fanatically loyal to him.

Election Process

High Prelate*
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Elects
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Prelacy (20 members)**
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Elects (Fake, Pre-Selected by Prelacy)
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The Synod of the New Aerion Order (300 members)***
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Elects (Fake, Pre-Selected by Prelacy)
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The National Council of the New Aerion Order (Meets every few years, 3,000 members)
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Elects delegates to
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Provincial Councils of the New Aerion Order (20 provinces)
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Elects delegates to
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Prefecture Council of the New Aerion Order (Varies)
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Elects delegates to
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District Council of the New Aerion Order (varies)
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Elects
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New Aerion Order members


*The High Prelate nominates the Chief Minister, who is in turn approved by by the Prelacy. The Chief Minister then appoints the Council of Ministers, and the High Court of Aerion. The Council of Ministers runs the Government Bureaucracy. The Chief Minister is usually a Prelate as well.

**In the current hidden set up, the Prelacy will remain a self-perpetuating power.

*** The Synod is actually a rubberstamp legislature, and is actually relatively powerless other than the fact that most members are in the Council of Ministers, on the High Court, or the Government Bureaucracy.

The Imperial Cult of Aerion still exists, and promotes worship of the Divine Emperor. However, they no longer have influence in government, and their High Priest is dead. As only the Divine Emperor may select another High Priest, for the moment the Chief Elder leads the Imperial Cult, and the Council of Elders. The Divine Emperor is still worshipped, though the Prelacy has banned human sacrifice due to fearing international reprisal. Animal sacrifices are still made. Thousands of shrines, temples, and statues of the Divine Emperor are still all over Aerion. Portraits hang in every public building, many households, and many walls outside have gigantic murals of him painted on them. These often depict him as divine, on a throne upon clouds, etc. He is currently being used as a "symbol" by the Prelacy as they use his similar propaganda of a "great Golden Age of Aerion", and the great "Divine Empire of Aerion". Of the "cultural supremacy of Aerion's people above all others." They are attempting to foster a strong sense of nationalism, and show mostly fascist policies.

The High Prelate, and some members of the Prelacy have moved into the massive Imperial Palace of the absent Divine Emperor, and what had been the Royal Palace of the Royal Family before him. This massive palace (miles) is one of the wonders of Aerion, and one of the most luxurious. Members of the Synod have been granted the mansions, and estates of the old nobility. Some of the Prelates have taken residence in the huge Ducal Palaces in the provincial capitals, which used to be the homes of the Dukes and Duchesses who governed each of the twenty provinces of Aerion. Though many already possessed gifts from the Divine Emperor, the Prelacy is doing less work than they would have under the Divine Emperor, and therefore being able to move away from the capital or move into the Imperial Palace where the Divine Emperor used to solely live. The Chief Minister, and Ministers continue to build the large bureaucracy that is (supposed to) run Aerion. They hand out government positions to people more as political favors than anything, and to those they "like". Not to say that any of these people do not have ability, in playing the political game at least.

The Prelacy has effectively seized full control, and is now firmly established in Aerion. The Council of Ministers, under the Chief Minister, appointed by the High Prelate now has a full working bureaucracy to carry out the normal daily governmental affairs. Some elections have been allowed of very local leaders, such as of local mayors, and councils. The economy of Aerion is beginning to be rebuilt, through the Prelacy founded Central Aerion Bank. They are allowing some corporations, thoug with strict stipulations, the government still controls most of the wealth. The Prelacy is still self-perpetuating, holding false elections, and having themselves remain in power.